Category Archives: Inspiration

For some people the Fall brings out their lacquered reds, peacock blues, and vivd oranges while others shift into classic neutrals (tans, greys, browns) with pops of animal print. As a designer, I am comfortable with all of the above and depending on the day you will find me expressing myself with different colors. In the boldest environments I still like a polished sophisticated tone so even if color abounds I will keep a neutral wall, sofa, or carpet. While in a neutral environment I love a dash of bold rich color (found in Lamps, a throw, or a chair) to give the space depth and warmth. I have selected rooms that represent fall to me in all the colors of the rainbow.

Red: Crimson, scarlet, tomato, brick, oxblood, geranium, cherry, pomegranate, fire engine red, sangria, blue red, orange red, chinese red, tulip red… Everyone has a particular red in mind when they tell me they want a “red room”. There is a red for everyone. I adore red in a room. It feels daring and bold, while at the same time warm, sexy, and intimate. It works well with other colors ( particularly greens – not christmas tree green but apple greens, spring greens and other more modern shades) and blues ( I love it with pale sky blue, and cadet blue). Below are some of my favorite red rooms:

This dining room/ library is fabulous. The deep red felt table skirt is so festive ( as are the tiny lacquered red sconce shades). Mixed with the antique carpet, warm wood bookshelves, and patterned drapes this room is so cozy. Many people only use their dining room for formal occasions. By making this a library/ dining room combo you would spend all your time in here.

This is a room done by me! Brick red venetian plaster walls gave this sunny room a bit of atmosphere. We kept the sofa and arm chair clean in ivory linen and let the throw pillows and zebra rug be our pops. A leather ottoman, leather floor lamp gave us some additional texture to keep the room tough enough for after dinner cocktails.

I love the bold red sofa and carpet mixed with all the various prints. Bohemian luxe!

Miles Redd kept it classic with a bamboo bed, antique carpet, upholstered fabric walls. But somehow you get a fresh feeling with the simple triple line sheets, pops of deep crimson in the table skirt and drapes. And the shape and detail in the pelmets…amazing.

Glossy red walls in a dining room set off by deep brown/ burgundy moldings. Very glam.

The October issue of House Beautiful shifted into fall beautifully. With pieces on sun-drenched Tuscan color, animal print rugs, pumpkin cupckaes, and fall fabric collections I was feeling the urge to head upstate to see the leaves starting to change and drink a cup of hot apple cider.

My favorite feature was the Park Avenue apartment designed by Daniel Sachs. The moody grey/ blue entry hall feels like it has been there forever with the large Italian mirror, indian painting, Flemish table, and swedish chandelier. I love a layered atmosphere. It is a great way to let your personality shine through.

The living room is chock-full of pattern and color. Keeping the wall color neutral adds a sophisticated look to this well traveled vibe. We have ikat, floral, stripes, and embroidered suzani all living happily in one space. The turkish rug is from the 19th century. The modern art mixes beautifully with the traditional setting, keeping the room feeling fresh.

Lastly, I love the boys room. The blown up map applied as wallpaper is the perfect way for kids to spend an afternoon “traveling” within the safety of their apartment. I would have looked at this map for hours as a child. A very sophisticated way to add whimsy to a child’s room.

Iconic, red carpet, show stopping dresses. The dresses for Spring did not disappoint- all exquisitely wrought with orientalist-inspired details: heavily bejeweled necklines, hand-painted florals on rolling sculptural drapes, and grand obilike loops that were revealed when a model turned. They conjure up images of all the most magnificent leading ladies of our time and in the past. You can bet we will see many of these dresses come Oscar time.

Phillip Lim’s collection showcased his familiar look of clean, neutral, sportswear but added a twist. He used sheer fabrics and applied them in an abstract/ puzzle piece-like way. As usual, the collection had several must have pieces:

Sighhhh… When the inspiration is prima ballerina ( Earlier this summer, Gilles designed the costumes for the New York City Ballet’s production of Call Me Ben; then he shot his Resort lookbook in the dance studio) you know the collection will be light, ethereal, and down right feminine. The collection was made up of pale silk chiffon and jersey with a bright pop of orange found in the Christian Louboutin shoes and lipstick. A few of my favorite looks below:

Ralph Lauren once again drew inspiration from out West and presented a beautiful collection in cool whites, blues, pinks, and tans. Statement blouses and jackets were seen throughout the collection ( along with amazing silver belts and blanket bags). He remains one of my favorite designers for his classic and timeless design. A few of my favorite looks below:

Above: All of these slightly more casual looks are perfect for day. From left to right:

1. I would wear this outfit in its entirety. The jacket is a must.

2. I a loving the breezy movement of the top and pants paired with a heavier belt and blazer.

3. This dress is perfect with a tough belt and broken in brown biker boots.

4. I can’t get enough of his billowing pieces and this white dress with suede belt is a perfect example.

Above: I own many dresses from his previous collections and still wear them all. His timeless cuts and fabrics make them wonderful investment pieces. The hand beading on looks one and two is amazing. The skirt paired with the flannel shirt and suede belt is a fantastic combination. The soft pink dress is totally me ( in cut, color, and fabric). LOVE IT!